Randeep Hooda has won the Best Debut Director award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his biographical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. The actor, who also co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in the 2024 film, said he is still trying to process the recognition.
Randeep Hooda's Emotional Reaction to National Award Win
Sharing his thoughts after the announcement, Randeep said, "Being announced as the winner of the National Award for Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a moment I'm still trying to process." According to WION, he described the film as something that asked more of him than anything he has ever done.
"This film asked more of me than anything I've ever done." — Randeep Hooda via WION
The Challenging Journey of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Hooda opened up about the difficult path to making the film. He noted that the journey was filled with challenges at every step. "The journey of this film was filled with challenges at every juncture, but I'm glad we saw it through and overcame each of those," he said, as reported by Free Press Journal. Despite the obstacles, the team kept pushing forward.
Hooda took on multiple roles for the project — directing, co-writing, co-producing, and playing the lead character. The film is a biographical drama about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a key figure in India's independence movement.
What This Award Means for Randeep Hooda
For Hooda, this award is a major milestone in his career. He has been acting for years but this is his first time winning a National Award as a director. The recognition at the 72nd National Film Awards puts him among the country's most celebrated filmmakers.
According to WION on Facebook, the actor's reaction has been widely shared, with many fans and colleagues congratulating him on the achievement.
Our Take: A Well-Deserved Recognition for a Passion Project
In our view, this award is a testament to Hooda's dedication. Making a biographical film about a controversial historical figure is never easy, and doing it while also acting in it makes it even harder. The fact that he acknowledges the challenges openly shows his honesty as an artist.
This win also highlights how the National Film Awards are recognizing bold, independent storytelling. For young filmmakers, Hooda's journey is a reminder that persistence pays off — even when the road is full of obstacles.
